India & Pilgrimage Centers (13 -29Jan 2025)

A Pilgrimage to SOUTH INDIA

itinerary

DAY 01: [13 JAN]: Depart from USA to Bangalore

The group will assemble at the church for the traveler’s Mass at 11:00 AM. From there, we will travel together by motor coach to Miami Airport. Our reporting time at the airport is 4:00 PM. We will board Qatar Airways flight QR 778, which is scheduled to depart at 7:30 PM.

DAY 02: [14 JAN]: Doha – Bangalore

Arrive in Doha at 5:05 PM. After a small layover, connect to Qatar Airways flight QR 572, departing at 7:55 PM towards Bangalore.

DAY 03: [15 JAN]: Bangalore

Arrive at Bangalore Airport at 2:20 AM. After clearing immigration and customs, our tour representative will be waiting to greet the group. Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
We’ll have a late wake-up at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch at the hotel at 12.00 PM. (noon) we’ll proceed for a sightseeing tour of Bangalore, a city known for its lush greenery and modern tech landscape, as well as its rich historical and cultural heritage. The tour includes visits to St. Xavier’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Basilica in Shivaji Nagar, Holy Cross Brothers provincial House on St. Mark’s Road, St. Patrick’s Church and Infant Jesus Church. Later, we’ll drive by Vidhana Soudha (Karnataka State Assembly House) for a panoramic view from the bus. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bangalore.

DAY 04: [16 JAN]: Mysore – Bangalore (160 Kms)

Early breakfast and We drive to Mysore at 7.00 AM. Often referred to as the "City of Palaces," Mysore is one of South India's most enchanting destinations, known for its royal heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Enroute, we will visit Seringapatam, the historic capital of Tipu Sultan. Explore key attractions such as Seringapatam Fort and Daria Daulat Bagh (Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace).
Upon arrival in Mysore visit St. Philomena's Cathedral, one of the tallest churches in Asia, known for its Neo-Gothic architecture, twin spires, stained glass windows, and underground crypt housing a statue of St. Philomena. Then we will visit the magnificent Mysore Palace, a symbol of grandeur and opulence. Visit Sukha Vana Bird Sanctuary. If time permits, visit Chamundi Hill and the Chamundeshwari Temple.
In the evening, drive back to Bangalore. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Bangalore.

DAY 05: [17 JAN]: Bangalore - Salem (200 kms)

After breakfast, depart for Salem, once in Salem, we will stop for Lunch and then proceed to Yercaud, a charming hill station located about 30 kilometers from Salem. Nestled in the Shevaroy Hills, Yercaud is known for its pleasant climate, lush greenery, and breathtaking views. Key attractions include Yercaud Lake, Lady's Seat, and Holy Cross Novitiate. We will have dinner and overnight stay at Cliff View Resort.

DAY 06: [18 JAN]: Salem

Morning after breakfast check-out the Resort and we will go down to Salem, known as the Steel City and Mango City, and the place where Fr. John grew up. We will then visit the Infant Jesus Cathedral church, which reflect the area’s religious and cultural heritage. We will also visit Holy Cross School and Notre Dame School and Fr. John’s Village, offering a glimpse into the local community and its lifestyle.

Dinner and overnight stay in Salem.

DAY 07: [19 JAN]: Salem - Trichy (145 kms)

After breakfast we drive to Trichy, a city known for its unique cultural heritage, combining ancient temples and colonial churches. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon we will visit Our Lady of Lourdes Church, a stunning replica of the Basilica of Lourdes in France, renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows and intricate designs. We will then explore the famous Sreerangam Temple, one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in India, and then we will visit St. Mary’s Cathedral.
Dinner and overnight stay in Trichy.

DAY 08: [20 JAN]: Trichy - Tanjore - Vailankanni

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Poondi Madha Church and then to Tanjore. Upon arrival, visit the Brihadishwara Temple, an architectural marvel built over a thousand years ago. Next, visit a traditional Veena (Sitar) making unit and if time permits, explore the Saraswathy Mahal Library and Bronze Gallery.
We will then continue our journey to Vailankanni Shrine known as “the land of miracles” and also known as “the Lourdes of the East.” In the evening, if there is Rosary at the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, we might be able to attend it as well. This is a noteworthy pilgrimage center known for its spiritual significance, architectural beauty, and miraculous history. Return to your hotel afterward.
Dinner and overnight stay in Vailankanni.

DAY 09: [21 JAN]: Vailankanni - Pondicherry (165 kms)

After breakfast, visit Vailankanni Church for Holy Mass. Then, drive to Pondicherry, known as 'the French Riviera of the East,' with French-inspired architecture, cuisine, and ambiance. The French government has its representation today in Pondicherry, housing the French Consulate, the French school - Lycée Français and the Alliance Française.
In the afternoon, enjoy a Tuk-tuk ride through the French Quarter, visiting the Cathedral and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church and Église de Notre Dame des Anges. In the evening, take a walk along the beach, offering a serene glimpse into Pondicherry's colonial past. Dinner and overnight stay in Pondicherry.

DAY 10: [22 JAN]: Pondicherry - Mahabalipuram - Chennai (160 Kms)

After breakfast, drive to Mahabalipuram, the historic capital of the Pallavas, known for its temples. Explore key attractions: Shore Temples, Five Rathas, Butter Ball, and Arjuna’s Penance. After Mahabalipuram, on the way to Chennai Visit Dakshina Chitra Heritage Museum Dinner and overnight stay in Chennai, capital of Tamil Nadu.

DAY 11: [23 JAN]: Chennai

Morning visit Santhome Cathedral, built over the tomb of St. Thomas the Apostle, who is believed to have arrived in India in 52 AD and was martyred in Chennai in 72 AD. The original church was constructed by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century and later rebuilt by the British in the 19th century in Neo-Gothic style. Following this, we drive through Marina Beach and then visit Our Lady of Vailankanni Shrine in Besant Nagar. Then we visit Little Mount Shrine and St. Thomas Mount Church, significant sites associated with St. Thomas and his missionary work.

DAY 12: [24 JAN]: Flying to Cochin

In the morning, transfer to Chennai Airport for your flight to Cochin. INDIGO Flight 6E 704 departs at 9:25 AM and arrives in Cochin at 10:40 AM. Upon arrival in Cochin, transfer to hotel and Lunch at Hotel and then relax. In the evening, enjoy an exclusive Ottamthullal performance and an interactive session with the artists.
Dinner and overnight stay in Cochin.

DAY 13: [25 JAN]: Cochin – Alleppey

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey to board a houseboat for a day cruise on the backwaters. Enjoy lunch on board and visit landmarks such as St. Chavara Kuriakose and Kainakary. Continue cruising towards Kumarakom. Disembark from the houseboat and take a coach to visit St. Alphonsa Shrine Church and Pilgrim Centre in Bharananganam. Return to Cochin in the evening. Overnight stay in Cochin.

DAY 14: [26 JAN]: Cochin

After breakfast, proceed with a sightseeing tour, including visits to St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue and Santa Cruz Basilica. Explore the Dutch Palace, St. George Church in Edappally, and the Vallarpadam Basilica. Dinner and Overnight stay in Cochin.

DAY 15: [27 JAN]: Cochin/ USA Departure

Early morning wake-up, check-out, and transfer to Cochin Airport at 12:30 AM. Flight QR517 departs at 3:45 AM and arrives in Doha at 6:00 AM. Connect to flight QR777, departing at 7:55 AM and arriving at Miami Airport at 4:25 PM.
Return to Viera by motor coach.

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